Europa at the cafe/Clutch issue

[fort]

My car outside my local cafe in Melbourne. I’ve had a clutch issue recently with apparent overstroking. Symptom is a total lack of progression with very sudden take up. Can be eased by increasing the clutch cable adjustment. Seems to be related to Pressure plate and driven plate not matched. Both items made by different companies. Wondering if anyone had a similar problem. Car has the 8.5 inch clutch from R21/Fuego.

[GavinT]

I dunno much about clutches, Fort.
My expectation would be that the correct thickness of the friction plate would be important for proper operation.

Didn't you once say you are using a different flywheel?
When you say, "increasing the clutch cable adjustment", does that indicate a tightening of the cable?

P.S. Looks like there's a duplicate post - maybe delete the other one?

[dakazman]

    Fort,
   from what you said progression-Sudden grab. The throw out bearing controls that and most importantly the clocking of the movement of the bearing. I had to re clock my clutch cable arm and shaft to get the proper movement. I had too totally change my arm when adapting to a new pressure plate and release bearing. I documented it on my 0453 reassembly posts.
Dakazman

[fort]

Thanks Gavin and Dakazaman. Throwout bearing is unusual as it has a short(2cm) spacer which seemed to be necessary when I put on the big clutch. Maybe on my configuration it could be removed. Trouble is checking results needs gearbox refitted and removed each time. Not the worst job but a bit annoying. I am tempted to fit a 16ts clutch which I have. Different flywheel though but I have it as well. The 8.5 inch clutch served me well for years. I like the suggestion around the throwout situation though.

[GavinT]

I'd describe the stock clutch as heavy.

There's three areas where the 'arc of throw' or the over- centre point needs to be considered:
The diaphragm spring of the clutch cover.
The fork which controls the throw-out bearing.
The clutch release arm which accommodates the cable.

Dunno if there's a spec called out but I imagine static clearance between the throw-out bearing and the fingers of the clutch cover is perhaps around 2/3mm or so? -  anyone know?

The only manual adjustment we have is at the clutch cable. If anything is out of kilter, there's unlikely to be a reward in it, I reckon.

[jbcollier]

I pulled wrenches for a living and I quickly learned to never use mismatched clutch parts because I had to redo the work too often.

The ideal position for the clutch arm is to be operating around the position where it forms a 90% angle with the cable pull.  This gives the maximum mechanical advantage.  Ideally the same can be said of the clutch fork as well.  Look at what you have and see if the spacer is helping or hindering.